Donie Cassidy (Fianna Fail)

Senators Twomey, O'Toole, Alex White, Quinn, Norris, Keaveney, Regan, Ó Murchú, Buttimer and Cummins all expressed their shock and horror at the tragic death of Shane Geoghegan. I fully agree with all that has been said. Some very good suggestions have been put forward this morning, for example, the DNA database suggested by Senator McFadden and restoring fear of the law, as mentioned by Senator Cummins. It appears to be the case there is no longer any fear of the law and this is where the challenge lies for Government, the Minister, the Commissioner and everyone concerned. The 2007 report of the Criminal Assets Bureau will be discussed in the House today and perhaps colleagues may want to make these points on that report when the Minister is in the House.

Many Senators expressed strong views with regard to the presence of the President of the Czech Republic in Ireland as our guest. I will pass those views on to the Minister after the Order of Business.

Senators Twomey and Glynn asked about the primary medical certificate needed by the disabled. Former Senator Willie Farrell had a similar experience and was not given due recognition for the loss of a limb. He brought that issue to the attention of the House on many occasions. We may seek to pursue this serious situation with the Minister for Health and Children. The two Senators who raised the issue have life-long experience in the medical area. I will take the issue on board and try to take their request further.

Senators O'Toole and Bacik spoke about the lack of legislation in the House. I explained the issue in the House yesterday. I noted those who contributed when the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs, Deputy Ó Cuív, was here to discuss rural development yesterday. I look forward to full participation in today's debates, especially the debate on the fishing industry which has been requested for the past ten months.

Senator O'Toole also called for debate on education. I have given a commitment to this and have no difficulty with allocating time for it.

Senators Alex White and Hannigan called for a debate, in light of the announcement made by Lord Mandelson yesterday, on the future of post offices and the opportunities available to the post office industry. I am agreeable to anything we can do to enhance rural Ireland. Post offices have a central role to play in this regard and I have no difficulty in asking the Minister to consider the situation and how we can progress their role.